The new movie Young Washington is an epic historical drama about the early life of George Washington during the French and Indian War between 1753 and 1755. Released during the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, this is a great movie for your family to see and appreciate our Founding Father.
The film portrays George Washington an ambitious, brash, and highly determined young colonist trying to transcend the limits of his social class. It covers his years from ages 11 to 23. It begins with the early death of his father and traces his development from a self-taught surveyor into a rising military leader.
The film was directed, produced, and co-written by Jon Erwin and stars William Franklyn-Miller, Mary-Louise Parker, Kelsey Grammer, Andy Serkis and Ben Kingsley.
The narrative doesn’t shy away from his early, devastating failures—including his humiliating surrender at Fort Necessity in 1754. However, these crushing setbacks are framed as a “tutor sent by God” to teach him humility, shaping him into the resilient commander he would eventually become.
Miracles and Providential Events
The film highlights several extraordinary, real-life historical miracles.
- Surviving the Icy Wilderness. During a diplomatic mission to a French fort, Washington and his guide are shot at by a rogue Native American guide who misses them entirely at close range. Shortly after, the pair fall into a freezing river during a winter storm and narrowly avoid hypothermia and death.
- The Bulletproof Jacket (Battle of the Monongahela). The climax of the film centers on the disastrous 1755 British defeat at the Battle of the Monongahela. Despite suffering from a severe fever, Washington rides into the chaotic battle. He emerges entirely unscathed, even though two horses are shot out from under him and four bullets tear directly through his coat and hat.
- The Native American Prophecy. Following the battle, a Native American chief who had fought alongside the French demands to meet Washington. He reveals that his warriors had targeted Washington repeatedly but could not hit him. The chief declares that Washington is protected by the Creator and is shielded by a spirit of protection to guide a great nation in the future.
George Washington actually wrote a letter to his brother John after this battle, stating: “By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation…”
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